News

Consider Investment Migration for Global Opportunities – Investors Urge Nigerians

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigerians have been advised to look at investment migration as a means of securing foreign citizenship and accessing visa-free travel.

This was the highlight during an investment migration roadshow, organized by Henley and Partners, a global investment firm, held in Abuja.

The event was aimed to attract potential investors from Abuja, offering insights into financial investments in Europe, America, and the Caribbean, amd these investments according to the organisers can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship in those regions.

Managing partner of Henley and Partners, Stuart Wakeling, urged Nigerians to use investment migration to expand their opportunities, even as he explained that countries in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean have programs allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship.

According to Wakeling, this would in turn, enable visa-free travel and provide financial benefits.

He said: “Investment migration offers Nigerians a way to secure their financial future while also gaining the ability to travel to multiple countries without the hassle of applying for visas.”

Naijablitznews.com reports that the roadshow which was specifically designed for high-net-worth individuals, presented various investment options in the U.S., Canada, Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the Caribbean. Panelists suggested that investing in these regions, starting at $800,000 or €500,000, could provide permanent residency in the short term and citizenship in the long term.

Wakeling noted that these programs are not just about obtaining a second passport, but also about protecting wealth, providing better healthcare, and improving educational opportunities.

“For business owners and entrepreneurs, a second passport opens up access to international markets and makes frequent business travel easier”, he noted

In his keynote address, Executive Vice President of Mercan, Mehdi Kadiri, emphasized Portugal’s attractive investment migration program.

Kadiri pointed out that by investing in real estate or businesses in Portugal, Nigerians could secure residency and eventually citizenship after five years.

“Portugal offers one of the best pathways for Nigerians looking for a secure, affordable, and reliable route to European citizenship,” Kadiri said.

Other speakers, such as legal consultant Soibhan Lloyd and Fatma Cayir, founder of Bridge & Partners Limited, highlighted the benefits of retaining Nigerian citizenship while enjoying the advantages of holding a European passport.

In addition to European opportunities, the Caribbean was presented as an attractive option for Nigerians seeking a more affordable route to global mobility.

According to Wakeling, “For Nigerians who may not have the substantial capital required for European investment migration programs, the Caribbean offers an excellent alternative. These programs provide citizenship within a few months, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of global travel and business opportunities almost immediately.”

The event showcased diverse real estate and hospitality options, offering stable, long-term income while meeting requirements for residency and citizenship programs.

In a country like Nigeria, where economic and security challenges often drive people to seek new opportunities, investment migration provides a practical way to safeguard wealth, expand business networks, and secure a better future for families.

Chidinma Okebalama, Senior Consultant at Henley & Partners and moderator of the panel discussions, also urged Nigerians to act now.

“The world is changing rapidly, and those who take action now will be the ones who thrive in the future. Investment migration is not just about getting a second passport; it’s about securing your financial freedom and giving yourself the tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.”

As more Nigerians explore these opportunities, it’s clear that investment migration will play a significant role in the country’s future, offering new avenues for those willing to invest in global opportunities.

News

Bill For Independent Candidacy Passes Second Reading

Published

14 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to provide for independent candidacy.

The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represents the Ekiti North 1 (lkole/Oye) Federal Constituency. This piece of crucial legislation, is a legacy bill from previous assemblies (7th, 8th, 9th), was reintroduced for consideration after being read for the first time in the 10th Assembly on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The sponsor of the bill emphasized the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy.

He said: “This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity. “

The bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order 1, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.

Speaking to journalists on the bill after the plenary on Thursday, the Founder of ElectHER, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode said the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill was a critical and progressive milestone.

She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusiivity. Faborode also highlighted that the progress of the bill in the 10th Assembly marked a defining moment for Nigeria, with the potential to significantly shape the future of its democracy.

She therefore reaffirmed ElectHER’s continued partnership with the office of the House Spokesperson to champion public advocacy and engagement towards the final passage of the bill.

The bill was recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.

News

Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

News

Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Published

3 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said